Is an AAS degree really worth the money?
With the cost of some Hawai’i private vocational colleges being so expensive, students should be asking themselves if an AAS degree (such as in medical assisting, billing and coding, etc.) is really worth the money and time required? With budgets tight and the job market having so many open positions, there are serious questions any student should ask themselves before spending thousands of dollars for a vocational AAS degree that might not bring them any more money. Here are a few pros and cons that students should consider before signing up for any Hawai’i AAS degree path:
Associate Degree Pros | Associate Degree Cons |
Only 2 years compared to a 4-year university | Cost can be over $30,000 for an AAS degree |
Learning more than what a diploma program provides (not necessarily about that specific field) | Transferring credits can be difficult if the school does have the proper accreditation |
Low or No Entrance Examination | Takes 2 years to complete meaning more time spent not working in your chosen career |
Possible promotion chances improved | There is no guarantee you’ll get more money |
While there are always benefits to improving your education, students need to look at why they chose to attend a vocational college to begin with. Was it to get an advanced degree and spend more time in college, or was it to get a certification in a field that has a good hourly pay rate with a secure future? Students will make the right decision if they are honestly informed of the options available to them.